It is about ability
Hearing voices of people with disabilities
On the International Day of Persons with Disabilities about 100 participants including parents, young people, representatives of the Government, disabled people’s organizations and UN agencies gathered together to promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life.
The UN Team in Uzbekistan organized the Activation 2.0 Forum at the ‘Ilkhom’ theatre. Persons with disabilities from diverse backgrounds spoke about challenges they face and how they overcame the barriers. They underlined that ensuring inclusiveness gives a lot of opportunities for people with disabilities to realize their full potential.
“Disability is all around us. And yet around the world, far too often, too many of the one billion people living with disabilities remain hidden from view, their needs and concerns unheeded, their contributions unsolicited, their productivity untapped”, said Helena Fraser, UN Resident Coordinator for the Republic of Uzbekistan. She continued that the UN is working with the Disability Peoples’ Organizations and the Government on a new draft law for persons with disabilities.
The exhibition called ‘We: Inclusion’ launched in the lobby of the Ilkhom theater prior to the Activation 2.0 Forum. It is an opportunity for decision makers and international community to have a glimpse into the lives of persons with disabilities. Ucell telecom operator supported the multi-media component of the exhibition, to help get important messages across in a powerful and appealing manner.
“Children with disabilities are about 74 times more likely to be placed in orphanages and be separated from their families than children without disabilities,” said Afshin Parsi, Deputy Representative, UNICEF Uzbekistan. He added that there is a need for a deep situation analysis to define what should be done to improve the situation of people with disabilities, including children.
3 December - International Day of Persons with Disabilities is celebrated annually to promote their rights and well-being in all spheres of society and development. The theme of the day in 2018 is ‘Empowering persons with disabilities and ensuring inclusiveness and equality’. It focuses on empowering persons with disabilities for an inclusive, equitable and sustainable development.
As of now, 177 countries have ratified the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. While Uzbekistan has signed the Convention, its ratification can ensure that issues of persons with disabilities are addressed comprehensively.
